Chapter four: Ties that bound

The sun hung low over the city skyline as Luna stepped out of Dante’s office building, her legs feeling unsteady. The meeting had gone far worse than she’d imagined. She had thought—hoped—he would at least listen, that maybe there was a shred of humanity beneath his cold exterior. But his demand for a paternity test, the way he dismissed her, still stung deeply.She pressed a hand to her belly protectively, whispering, “It’s going to be okay. I’ll figure this out.”The truth was, she didn’t know what came next. Dante Cross was more dangerous than she’d expected—something about his words haunted her. My world isn’t safe. What did that even mean?As she walked to the curb to flag a cab, Luna’s phone buzzed. It was Kira.“Hey,” Luna answered, forcing her voice to sound steady.“Spill!” Kira’s voice was full of curiosity. “Did you see him? What did he say?”Luna let out a shaky breath. “I told him, Kira. I told him about the baby.”“And?”“And he wants a paternity test.”“Ugh, men!” Kira groaned. “What did you expect? He’s a billionaire. They don’t trust anyone.”“I guess,” Luna muttered, biting her lip. “It’s just… he acted like I was some kind of scammer. Like I made this up just to trap him.”Kira’s voice softened. “Hey, you did the right thing. He deserves to know. And once the test proves you’re telling the truth, he’ll have to step up.”Luna sighed. “I don’t even know if I want him to step up. He’s so cold, Kira. So… guarded. Like there’s something he’s hiding.”“Of course he’s hiding something,” Kira replied. “Rich people always are. But that doesn’t mean he won’t change once the truth comes out.”Luna wanted to believe that, but something told her it wouldn’t be so simple.A Week LaterLuna sat nervously in a plush chair at a private clinic, her hands resting over her stomach as she waited. Dante had arranged the paternity test almost immediately, sending a car to pick her up and bring her here. It was all so clinical, so detached—just like him.And yet, when he entered the room, Luna’s heart skipped a beat. Dressed in another sharp black suit, Dante was as striking as ever. His golden eyes met hers briefly before he took a seat across the room, as far away as possible.“Miss Luna,” the doctor said politely, “this will only take a few minutes.”Luna nodded, trying to stay calm as the nurse approached with a swab. She felt Dante’s gaze on her the entire time. When they were done, the doctor assured them the results would be ready in a few days.Dante stood abruptly, his movements sharp. “I’ll handle the rest. My assistant will call you when the results are in.”“That’s it?” Luna asked, looking up at him.He paused at the door, turning to face her. For a split second, she thought she saw something—doubt? Regret?—flash across his face. But it was gone before she could be sure.“I don’t make decisions without proof,” he said coldly, and then he was gone.Luna watched him leave, a bitter taste in her mouth. She hadn’t expected him to embrace the idea of fatherhood immediately, but his icy attitude cut her to the core.She pressed a hand to her belly, whispering, “It’s okay, little one. We don’t need him. We’ll be just fine.”Three Days LaterLuna sat in her small apartment, curled up on the couch with her knees pulled to her chest. The clock on the wall ticked loudly, each second stretching longer than the last.The phone rang, and she jumped. Her hands trembled as she picked it up. “Hello?”“Miss Luna,” a cool, professional voice said. “This is Mr. Cross’s office. He’d like you to come to his estate immediately.”“His estate?” she repeated, confused.“Yes. Mr. Cross has requested your presence this evening. A car will pick you up shortly.”The line went dead before she could argue.Luna stared at her phone, her heart pounding. Why did he want to see her? Did the test confirm what she already knew? And if so, what now?An hour later, Luna found herself standing in front of Dante Cross’s mansion—a sprawling estate with wrought-iron gates and perfectly manicured lawns. It was another world, one she couldn’t even fathom belonging to.The butler led her inside, past grand marble floors and glittering chandeliers, before finally stopping at a set of large double doors. “He’s waiting for you inside.”Luna swallowed hard, her pulse racing as she pushed the doors open.The room was massive, with tall windows overlooking the gardens outside. Dante stood by the fireplace, his back to her, holding a glass of whiskey.He didn’t turn around when he spoke. “The results are in.”Luna took a hesitant step forward. “And?”He turned slowly, his golden eyes locking onto hers. “You were telling the truth.”Relief washed over her, but it didn’t last long.“Sit,” he said, gesturing to a chair.Luna hesitated. “Why?”“Because we have things to discuss,” Dante said, his tone unreadable. “Starting with what happens next.”Luna’s heart sank as she sat down. She had a feeling whatever came next wouldn’t be simple.“I’ve thought about this,” Dante continued, his voice calm but cold. “You’re carrying my child, and that means you’re now my responsibility.”“Responsibility?” Luna repeated, her voice sharp. “I’m not a burden you need to take care of. I told you—I don’t want anything from you.”“That’s not how this works,” Dante replied, his golden eyes narrowing. “This isn’t just about you, Luna. This is about the child.”Luna stared at him, anger bubbling in her chest. “So what are you saying? That you want custody? That you want to buy me off?”Dante’s jaw clenched, and he took a step closer. “I’m saying I want you to move in here.”Luna froze. “What?”“You’ll live here until the baby is born,” he said firmly. “I’ll make sure you’re cared for, and once the child is here, we’ll figure out the details.”Luna shot up from her chair, her voice rising. “You can’t just order me to move into your house like I’m some… some obligation!”Dante’s eyes burned into hers, his voice low and dangerous. “You don’t understand what’s at stake, Luna. My world—my enemies—won’t hesitate to use you and the child against me if they find out.”Luna’s blood ran cold. “Enemies?”Dante stepped even closer, his gaze intense. “I told you before—my world isn’t safe. If you’re carrying my child, then you’re part of that world now. Whether you like it or not.”Luna felt like the ground had just shifted beneath her feet. She had no idea what she’d gotten herself into, but one thing was clear:This was only the beginning.